Shaker student Jeremy Wernick collecting hats for pediatric cancer patients

Jeremy Wernick is collecting hats for pediatric cancer patients and you can help!

Bring a new winter hat (sizes newborn to adult) that is store-bought or handmade to your school’s ‘Hatsgiving’ collection bin. All North Colonie schools are participating in Hatsgiving. The final collection pick up will be on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

The story of Hatsgiving

In 2012, Jeremy Wernick, a North Colonie 4th grader, shaved his head for the second time to raise money for childhood cancer research. It really got him thinking about kids who lose their hair during cancer treatments. So, he created Hatsgiving. The first official collection was held in 2013. Each year, Hatsgiving continues to grow thanks to all of the wonderful, warm hats that are so graciously donated.

Where do the hats go?

All of the hats collected will be distributed to cancer patients at regional pediatric cancer treatment centers. Since 2013, Hatsgiving has
distributed 11,592 hats to 22 pediatric cancer treatment centers in 19 different states.

By the numbers

Each year, Hatsgiving continues to grow. Let’s make this the highest year ever!

2013: 226 hats
2014: 1,272 hats
2015: 1,563 hats
2016: 2,710 hats
2017: 2,813 hats
2018: 3,008 hats
Total: 11,592 hats

Facts

Before they turn 20, about 1 in 285 children in the U.S. will have cancer.
Source: St. Baldrick’s Foundation

In 2017, an estimated 15,270 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 were diagnosed with cancer.
Source: National Cancer Institute

Find out more

To learn more, visit www.hatsgiving.org or email info@hatsgiving.org.

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